Description and Varieties of Dry Beans

Description:

Dry beans are one of three main types of beans. The others are snap beans, also known as green beans, and shell beans, which are harvested when the beans are fully formed but not dry. Dry beans are used as soup, salad, baking, chili and refry beans. There are many varieties, from pintos to kidney to black turtle beans.

Dry beans come in bush or pole variety, so you'll want to decide which type you want to grow. Pole beans grow 6 to 10 feet tall and need a trellis, sticks, or teepee for support. Bush beans need no supports and grow only 2 to 3 feet tall.

How to Grow Dry Beans

Latin Name: Phaseolus vulgaris

Common name: Dry bean, baking bean, chili bean, soup bean

Environmental Preferences:

Light: sunny
Soil: well-drained
Fertility: medium rich
pH: 5.8 - 7.0
Temperature: warm (65-80 degrees F)
Moisture: average

Hardiness:

Tender annual.

Zone:

All zones.

Size:

Pole bean varieties grow 6-10 feet tall; bush varieties reach 2-3 feet tall.

Days to Harvest:

Varies somewhat, but generally around 100 days.

Suggested Varieties:

• Jacob's Cattle: An early-maturing heirloom bean with a mild, sweet taste.
• Black Turtle: An heirloom bean that originated in southern Mexico and central America over 7,000 years ago.
• Navy: Also known as the pea bean, these are popular for soup.
• Light Red Kidney: A reliable standard with great yields, good for baking or in soup.